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Coliving vs Flatshare: How Are They Different?
Coliving and flatshares both involve shared living, but they differ significantly in structure, management, and tenant experience.
What is a flatshare?
A flatshare ("colocation") is a traditional apartment shared by multiple tenants.
Typical characteristics include:
Each tenant rents a private bedroom
Shared kitchen and living areas
Often rented directly from a private owner
Responsibilities shared among tenants
Flatshares are common in large cities especially among students and young professionals.
What is coliving?
Coliving is a professionally managed housing format designed specifically for shared living.
Typical characteristics:
Private rooms or studios
Purpose-designed shared spaces
Single operator managing the entire residence
Services often included in rent
Key differences between coliving and flatshare
Management
Flatshare: Self-managed by tenants or landlord
Coliving: Managed by a professional operator
Furnishing and services
Flatshare: Varies widely, often minimal
Coliving: Standardized furnishing and services
Administrative complexity
Flatshare: Individual contracts, shared responsibilities
Coliving: Centralized leasing and maintenance
Community and design
Flatshare: Depends on roommates
Coliving: Designed for shared living and interaction
When can coliving be preferable to a flatshare?
Coliving may be preferable if:
You want predictable conditions
You prefer professional management
You are relocating and lack a local network, and are looking to meet new people
You want furnished housing with fewer setup steps
Example of a coliving provider
Colonies offers both coliving residences and managed flatshares, providing furnished units and standardized leasing processes aimed at students, young professionals, and international residents.
Summary
Flatshares offer flexibility and lower cost in some cases, while coliving emphasizes simplicity, structure, and reduced friction for shared living.